Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
Multiple times each week, FTN Bets’ resident college basketball junkie, Brad Evans, will attempt to posterize the ‘books with his favorite selections, whether sides, totals, teasers or parlays. As always, fade or follow Brad’s picks — fading is encouraged — that’s up to you.
2-leg alternative line parlay play: Creighton (+16.5), USC (ML) (Tipico Sportsbook)
Odds: +173
Leg 1: Creighton (+16.5) vs. Gonzaga
Swimming in a pool filled with Lucky Charms, and unlikely lobster claws or other discarded mollusk shells recently polluting favorite cereals, the ‘Zags, thanks to a late-game Flagrant 1, were extremely fortunate to cover in their last contest against Oklahoma. Creighton is an increase in competition, arguably the ‘Zags stiffest scheduled opponents since its vanquishing of Virginia in late December. The Jays should hang. On offense, Greg McDermott’s club boasts an all-court offense. It ranks No. 3 nationally in near-proximity conversion rate, splashes 36.5% from three and features solid mid-range production. Free throws are a sharp thorn (64.3%), but the Jays are capable of 80-plus point outbursts. Defensively, they’re more impressive, yielding just 0.906 points per possession and 27.2% from three in their last seven games. Gonzaga is magmatic on offense — fluid, molten and hot. Still, 16.5 points are far too many against its toughest test in three months.
Leg 2: Oregon vs. USC (ML)
Danny DeVito attempts to toss a beach ball over a forest of mature oak trees. That, my friends, is how lane drivers feel each time they sprint to the basket against USC. The length of Evan Mobley, Isaiah Mobley, Isaiah White and Drew Peterson is intimidating. Every shot is challenged. Many are rejected. Over their last six contests, the Trojans have surrendered just 0.858 points per possession and 37.7% from two. Commanding the glass while also adding a consistent three-point element (40.0 3PT% last six), they’ve developed into a dangerously balanced team. The last time the Pac-12 foes faced off, Feb. 22 in Los Angeles, USC raced out to a 15-0 start, never relinquishing its lead in a 14-point victory. Oregon has the sharpshooters to avoid another double-figure defeat. Chris Duarte, Eugene Omoruyi, LJ Figureoa and Will Richardson each tally at least 37.5% from distance. However, if the Trojans consistently break the press and live in transition, they should eliminate their Pac-12 compadres in a relatively sweat-free game.
Season record: 35-39
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